Definitely Snape. He had suffered and given up so much just because of his (unrequited) love for Lily. The Prince's Tale chapter in DH just tore me apart. Also, Alan Rickman's portrayal of him is brilliant in the films. So yeah, always Snape.

(Original post by Reformed2010)
Severus Snape. The most complex, three dimensional character in the franchise in my view. His the only one that went through all the emotions and tribulations of a human would. He hated James but was jealous of the relationship he had with Lily. He adored and loved Lily. He put his faith in a man, Voldemort. Only to overcome this by realising what it would cost him, in the end Lilly. There he went through a life changing moment and realised his true path was on the path fighting evil. He put his faith in Dumbledore showing remorse he begged for forgiveness. He agonised with being asked to kill one of his most trusted friend, but remained loyal right till the end. Faced further hatred from everyone who thought he was good but had now turned evil. Acted as a double agent for the side of good and double crossed the second most powerful wizard of all time. Not only did he die the bravest man of the entire series. But year after year he saved the son of a man he hated without once complaining about it, or letting the hate Harry showed him waver in his mission. That right there, is a self less man!

Selfless Severus Snape, the bravest wizard of his time.

beautiful! I was going to say Sirius or Snape but after reading that I remembered all the crap Snape went through. Changed my mind, Snape wins it, his such a tragic hero. Which is the type of hero I love, hence my initial choice in Sirius. Both died unknown champions of good.

Since we're not allowed to choose the D-word, I'll go with Hermione Normally in fantasy, you get a group of guys and you get "the girl" who has the most boring and simplistic character ever (normally "I am pretty and get captured a lot" or "I am a woman who can use a sword") but Hermione is not only bossy, NOT stunningly attractive and the cleverest of them all but she is never ever the damsel in distress.

Snape comes pretty damn close though. I also have a soft spot for Stan Shunpike.